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The document you linked to is out of date. It hasn't been updated since 2007.
High-flow cats are now legal for ST/STS. As was stated earlier, it must be installed in the stock location.

What you do to your Focus to be competitive in ST depends on how serious you want to be and will it still be your daily driver?

Since I've already been down this road with two SVTF's, I'll tell you what I would do if I was starting out from scratch trying to make a daily driver SVTF more competitive in ST.

Suspension:
Contact Auto-X-ZTS and get the rear sway bar he sells. Single best mod I've ever seen for an SVTF suspension. That's it for suspension.

Wheels and Tires:
Depending on your budget, stock wheels or 17x7.5 Rotas (Or something like a Rota) and a set of Dunlop Star Specs. Stock size is just fine. Getting a dedicated set of wheels and tires is preferable as any good ST class tire will wear very quickly with daily driving. ST class tires are also not the best in the wet. If you need a tire that can pull double duty, get a set of Sumitomo HTR Z III. The side walls are a little soft (Use higher pressure to compensate), but the level of grip is quite good and they last. They're also only $83 from Tire Rack.

Power:
CFM or RT high flow cat and a tune from Focus Power or Focus Sport.

That's it. Before you consider putting any more money into the car, spend that money on entry fees. Get out there and practice. You'll get the most improvement from good ole seat time.

I love what limited slip did for my car, its not legal in ST, but the old Hondas still beat me.

07-15-2009 03:45 PM

Auto-X-ZTS

HI-FLO cats are legal in ST/STS--must be in 'stock' location. They can be moved up to 6" in STX. The SVT is an OK ST car, would be a better STX car, IMO...as you can add LSD...and maybe shoehorn on some 235/40-17 on 8"+ wheel.

7.5" wide wheels and 215/45-16 (XS) or 215/40-17 (Z1) would be where I would start.

07-13-2009 07:31 PM

apex214

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayel579

The best mod for anyone in autocross is to tighten the nut behind the wheel(work on your driving). Then tires and dampers.

Wise words, those!
ALWAYS "mod" the driver first...lots of practice, and lots of listening to the successful drivers.

07-13-2009 02:01 PM

jayel579

The best mod for anyone in autocross is to tighten the nut behind the wheel(work on your driving). Then tires and dampers.

07-13-2009 01:29 PM

shb5007

Thanks for all of the insight guys.

I guess I need to check on the high flow cat.

07-13-2009 08:46 AM

Dcl2049

If you're running a high flow cat I think technically you should be in STX... but I haven't read the rulebook in a while so they may have changed that recently?

^That's all good advice. Intake (use a K&N with the stock intake) and exhaust are kinda the main point of having the ST class. Those are actually good stock, so like he said, work on your handling. Tires & suspension are key. You can have aftermarket wheels so look for something lightweight. Adjustable dampers are nice. Check to see if you can have coilovers, I'm not sure if those are STS legal but if they are and you don't mind a crappy ride that's the way to go. But depending on how long you've done this you may not want to just throw money at your car. If you can get a lot of seat time and learn to drive the stock suspension well, that will make up more time than mods will.

07-13-2009 07:39 AM

wrc_fan

Well, as a disclaimer before spending the money, a well prepped "spec" civic will often beat an SVT in ST. But if you don't often see one, you should be able to do OK in this class.

You didn't mention what tires you're running. Absolutely start there, you should be researching Dunlop star specs, Kumho XS, B-stone RE-11, currently the tires to have this year from what I can tell. If you have the money get some new lighter weight wheels at the same time.

A rear sway bar is the next easy upgrade, a 22mm is a good fit with the SVT set up IMO.

With good tires and a new RSB work on your driving until you are consistant and at the car's limits.

For power upgrades, there is not much worth doing on the SVT for ST. The stock CAT is one of the best OEM CAT's made. Stock intake isn't too bad either.

07-12-2009 07:05 PM

shb5007

Which Mods Are Legal And Are Actually Worth The Money?

Okay, according to the guys today I am in the ST class...

Which mods should I do to my SVT Focus that will help me out in the STS class, but will keep me legal?

I have a high flow cat, stainless steel brake lines, rotors, pads, and a tune.